Theriogenology最新文献

{"title":"Seasonal effect on farrowing duration in sows within a temporarily confined farrowing system under tropical climates","authors":"Tip-apa Akkhaphan ,&nbsp;Rafa Boonprakob ,&nbsp;Alexander Grahofer ,&nbsp;Padet Tummaruk","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming negatively impacts sow reproduction, leading to health and welfare challenges and economic losses in the swine industry. The present study was a retrospective observational study that examined the effects of season, temperature, and humidity during parturition on farrowing duration and piglet birth intervals in sows housed in a temporarily confined system under a tropical climate. Data from 10039 farrowings of Landrace × Yorkshire sows (January–December 2023) included parity, farrowing date, parturition onset, total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), percentage of stillbirths (SB) and mummified fetuses (MF), and farrowing house temperature and humidity. The temperature-humidity index (THI) and averages for the 7 days before and on the day of farrowing were also calculated. The association between these parameters and the farrowing duration of sows was analyzed. Additionally, the proportion of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (i.e., &gt;300 min) associated with different factors were evaluated. On average, TB, BA, SB, and MF were 13.9 ± 3.6, 12.4 ± 3.9, 5.7 %, and 5.8 %, respectively. The average farrowing duration was 228.9 ± 194.8 min, with 21.1 % of sows experiencing prolonged farrowing (≥300 min). Dystocia occurred in 5.1 % of farrowings, and the average birth interval for each piglet was 18.7 ± 26.7 min. During the 7-day period before parturition, sows were exposed to an average barn temperature of 26.7 ± 1.9 °C, with daily minimum and maximum temperatures of 25.1 ± 2.2 °C and 29.9 ± 1.0 °C, respectively. The average barn humidity during the 7-day period before parturition was 80.2 ± 5.8 %, with values ranging from 62.1 % to 90.1 %. The farrowing duration of sows was positively correlated with average temperature (r = 0.044, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), maximum temperature (r = 0.051, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and minimum temperature (r = 0.057, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) during the 7-day period before farrowing. Moreover, every 10 % increase in relative humidity during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 21 min (farrowing duration = 61.0 + (2.1 × humidity), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Every 1 °C increase in the average temperature during the 7-day period before parturition caused an increase in the farrowing duration of 4.3 min (farrowing duration = 113.49 + (4.3 × temperature), <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, 21.1 % of sows in tropical climates experience prolonged farrowing durations. Elevated temperatures, humidity, and THI during the 7 days prior to farrowing or on the day of farrowing significantly extended farrowing durations and birth intervals in sows. These findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining temperature and humidity levels as close as possible to the optimal range for lactating sows (i.e., 12–22 °C), particularly in tropical regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Micro-nanoplastics pollution and mammalian fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Alessandro Marino Volsa ,&nbsp;Eleonora Iacono ,&nbsp;Barbara Merlo","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Micro</h3><div>and nanoplastics (MNPs) are fragments derived from physical, chemical, or biological degradation of plastic items. MNPs are one of the main sources of both marine and terrestrial plastic pollution. This study systematically and meta-analytically assesses the reproductive toxicity in mammals of key plastic components found in MNPs, focusing on polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PubMed, Medline, and CAB Abstracts databases were used to identify the relevant scientific papers, and 79 articles were selected for the systematic review. Six articles included two different species, and 19 papers contained both in vivo and in vitro studies, resulting in a total of 102 experiments being considered and analysed in the meta-analysis. Interest in the reproductive toxicity of MNPs in mammals has increased, peaking in the last two years. Five species (rat, mouse, bovine, pig, and human) have been studied, with most experiments carried out in vivo in mice, focusing on male fertility. The most studied plastic polymer is PS, and both micro- and nanoparticles were tested at single or multiple concentrations. Toxic effects are documented across various species, particle size, and polymer type. A pronounced concentration-dependent toxicity has been observed, particularly at high concentrations/doses of MNPs. There is a gap in research on food-producing animals, which are both relevant models for human health and potential vectors for MNPs into the human food supply chain. Overall, these findings emphasizpe the importance of continued research to elucidate the pathways and mechanisms through which MNPs impact mammalian reproductive health, ultimately advancing our understanding of how these pervasive pollutants interact with biological systems across diverse species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117369"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143529809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovarian superstimulation protocols modulate the morphological phenotypes in bovine oviduct","authors":"Patricia Kubo Fontes ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Marques Andrade ,&nbsp;Laura Chuba Machado Rolniche ,&nbsp;Lucas Thomas dos Santos Rocha ,&nbsp;Alessandra Martins da Costa ,&nbsp;Anthony César de Souza Castilho","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It has been shown that estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) have a significant influence on the alteration of morphological parameters in the oviduct of cattle. These morphological changes were demonstrated by comparing the effects of the different hormonal profiles between the hormonal phases of the estrous cycle or between the ipsi- and contralateral side of the preovulatory follicle/corpus luteum and even the size of the corpus luteum. In our previous study, we have shown that the ovarian superstimulation (OVS) protocol increases E2 levels in the bovine oviduct during the preovulatory phase. Therefore, we wanted to gain insight into the effects of OVS protocols on morphological parameters in the bovine oviduct. To this end, our study evaluated two OVS protocols, an FSH-only protocol and the FSH/eCG protocol, both of which were successfully standardized for Nelore cows (<em>Bos taurus</em> <em>indicus</em>). A third group was used as a control that was not superstimulated (synchronized estrus). The ampulla and isthmus segments of the oviduct were analyzed separately for morphometric analysis (hematoxylin and eosin staining – HE), quantification of total collagen (picrosirius red staining – PSR), analysis of fractal dimensions, and quantification of total mucin (staining with periodic acid-Schiffs/Alcian blue). Overall, both OVS protocols decreased mucosal height, epithelial area, and luminal area in the isthmus, while total collagen quantification increased. In contrast, cows subjected to the FSH/eCG protocol exhibited increased muscle layer area and mucosal height in the ampulla, while total collagen quantity decreased. Analysis of fractal dimensions showed that both OVS treatments increased cell organization in both isthmus and ampulla segments compared to the synchronized group when analyzing tissues stained with PSR. Finally, the FSH/eCG protocol increased the relative abundance of mucins in the isthmus and ampulla segments compared to the other groups. In conclusion, we have shown that cows subjected to OVS exhibit a different morphological phenotype in the bovine oviduct characterized by morphometric changes, collagen modulation, and histochemical alterations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117370"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143529810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of melatonin implants on uterine inflammation and ovarian progesterone receptor expression in female cats: A histopathological and molecular analysis","authors":"Damla Tuğçe Okur ,&nbsp;Selçuk Özdemir ,&nbsp;Şifanur Aydin ,&nbsp;Alper Yasin Çiplak ,&nbsp;İsmail Bolat ,&nbsp;Vefa Tohumcu ,&nbsp;Şeyma Aydin ,&nbsp;Ayşe Çinpolat ,&nbsp;Şaab Elban","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117368","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117368","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological and molecular effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants on the reproductive organs of female cats. Twenty cats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (Cont), which underwent ovariohysterectomy without prior treatment, and a melatonin-treated group (Mel), which received 18 mg melatonin implants subcutaneously in the interscapular region before ovariohysterectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of uterine tissues were performed, along with quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot to assess inflammatory markers and progesterone receptor expression. Histopathological findings revealed normal uterine structures in most control cats, with mild inflammation observed in a few cases. In contrast, melatonin-treated cats exhibited varying degrees of uterine inflammation, ranging from mild to severe. Immunohistochemical analysis showed elevated IL-1β expression in the treated group compared to controls. Molecular analysis revealed significant upregulation of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-kB, IFN-γ, ICAM-1, and iNOS in uterine tissues of the treated group (p &lt; 0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed increased IL-6, TNF-α, NF-kB, IFN-γ, and PGR protein expression in melatonin-treated cats, supporting inflammatory and hormonal alterations. Additionally, increased mRNA expression of progesterone receptor isoforms PR-A and PR-B was detected in ovarian tissues of melatonin-treated cats (p &lt; 0.05). The results indicate that while melatonin implants effectively suppress estrus in female cats, they may induce uterine inflammation and alter the hormonal and immune profiles of reproductive tissues. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term safety and mechanisms of melatonin's effects on reproductive health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117368"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamics of macrophages and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the cervix of late pregnant cows","authors":"Kazuyuki Kanemaru ,&nbsp;Go Kitahara ,&nbsp;Takuto Hashiguchi ,&nbsp;Koichiro Hemmi ,&nbsp;Ikuo Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Takeshi Osawa","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical ripening is associated with M1 macrophages and inflammatory cytokines in mice and rats, but its mechanism in cattle is unclear. In this study, to elucidate some of the mechanisms of normal cervical maturation in cows, we examined the expressions of M1 macrophages and mRNA of interleukin (IL)-1α, 1β, 6, 8, and 10, as well as TNFα in cervical tissue and the mRNA expressions and protein concentrations of these cytokines in cervical mucus from late pregnancy to parturition. Forty-one Japanese Black cows were sampled at 200, 230, and 260 d of gestation and then at 7 d intervals until parturition to obtain cervical mucus and tissue samples. The collected tissues were fluorescently immunostained with anti-Iba-1 antibodies, and the macrophage infiltration was checked. Cervical mucus was mixed with PBS, the concentrations of the above cytokines in the supernatant after centrifugation were measured, and the concentration per protein weight was used as the measurement. Total RNA was extracted from the cervical tissue and mucus, and the mRNA expression of various cytokines was analyzed using real-time PCR. In cervical tissue, macrophages stained with anti-Iba-1 antibody were observed from five to six weeks before calving until the week of calving. There was also a trend toward a concurrent increase in the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, three weeks before calving (P &lt; 0.05). In cervical mucus, the concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα increased (P &lt; 0.05) zero to three weeks before calving compared to 12–14 weeks before calving. In addition, IL-1α mRNA increased three weeks before and during the week of parturition, and IL-8 mRNA increased three weeks before and two weeks after (P &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that cervical ripening in cows begins five to six weeks before calving when macrophages infiltrating cervical tissue may produce large amounts of IL-6, inflammatory cells infiltrate cervical mucus, and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα levels in the mucus increase toward calving.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 117357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dextran is an effective alternative to egg yolk and glycerol in feline epididymal sperm cryopreservation","authors":"Alessia Gloria,&nbsp;Luisa D'Amelio,&nbsp;Alberto Contri","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa is essential for conserving genetic material from endangered species of high-genetic value males suddenly die. The most effective extenders for cryopreservation contain glycerol and egg yolk as cryoprotective components, but variability in composition, contamination risks, and potential toxicity, make the need to find more effective and safe alternatives crucial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dextran as a substitute for egg yolk and glycerol in feline epididymal sperm cryopreservation. Spermatozoa collected from 24 domestic tomcats after routine orchiectomy were pooled in 8 samples. Seven TRIS-based extenders were tested on these pools, containing dextran (10,000 or 40,000 MW) with varying glycerol concentrations (0 %, 2.5 %, or 5 %), compared to a conventional TRIS extender (20 % egg yolk, 5 % glycerol). Pre- and post-cryopreservation assessments included sperm kinetics (CASA), flow cytometric sperm integrity and function, and hyaluronan-binding ability. Dextran 10,000 MW extenders resulted in similar (in glycerol-free formulation) or improved (with glycerol) sperm quality compared to the control, with higher post-thaw total and progressive motility and cell function (P &lt; 0.05). Dextran 40,000 MW did not result in a similar improvement. Dextran 10,000 MW is a promising alternative to egg yolk in feline sperm cryopreservation, reducing reliance on animal-derived components and glycerol. These findings support the development of safer, more standardised cryopreservation protocols, with potential applications in endangered felid conservation. Further studies are needed to refine dextran-based extenders for broader use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 156-165"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"YAP1 regulates endometrial receptivity by promoting the plasma membrane transformation and proliferation of bovine endometrial epithelial cells","authors":"Han Zhou,&nbsp;Jinxin Zhang,&nbsp;Wen Feng,&nbsp;Nuoer Chen,&nbsp;Talha Umar,&nbsp;Xinyu Feng,&nbsp;Wenjing Liu,&nbsp;Changwei Qiu,&nbsp;Ganzhen Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plasma membrane transformation (PMT) during early pregnancy (EP) is a widely observed phenomenon across species, but its role in cows remains understudied. Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) plays a vital role in human embryo implantation and uterine development. However, its relationship with PMT in bovine endometrium remains unclear. This study aims to explore the potential influence of YAP1 on PMT and the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. We observed PMT-related changes in the endometrium of cows during EP, characterized by reduced morphometry scores and increased fully developed pinopodes. The epithelial marker cadherin-1 (CDH1, also known as E-cadherin) expression decreased, while the mesenchymal marker vimentin (VIM) expression increased. Additionally, YAP1 expression was up-regulated and activated in the endometrial epithelium during EP. Interferon-tau (IFNT) potentially promoted PMT-related changes and activated YAP1. The knockdown of YAP1 diminished the effect of IFNT on PMT. At the same time, overexpression of YAP1 might enhance PMT-related changes and promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEECs). Our findings suggest that YAP1 is activated during EP and may regulate endometrial receptivity by promoting PMT and cell proliferation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 166-177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melatonin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate enhance the meiotic and developmental competence of porcine oocytes from early antral follicles during in vitro growth and pre-maturation culture","authors":"Lam Do Truc Phuong ,&nbsp;Lam Chi Thien ,&nbsp;Cao Dang Su Pham ,&nbsp;Nguyen Uyen Minh ,&nbsp;Nguyen Thai Huy Bao ,&nbsp;Le Nguyen Thien Truc ,&nbsp;Truong Thi Ngoc Huyen ,&nbsp;Do Tu Minh ,&nbsp;Nhat-Thinh Nguyen ,&nbsp;Nguyen Van Thuan ,&nbsp;Hong-Thuy Bui","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Melatonin has been studied for its ability to improve oocyte quality and modulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. However, the effects of melatonin on the in vitro growth (IVG) of oocyte-cumulus-granulosa complexes (OCGCs) derived from early antral follicles (EAFs) have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of melatonin during IVG on the developmental competence and blastocyst quality of porcine oocytes isolated from EAFs. In addition, the combination of melatonin with dibutyl cAMP (Mela + dbcAMP) or hypoxanthine (Mela + HX) during IVG and pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) was also investigated.</div><div>The result showed that the modified medium supplemented with 10 μM melatonin after 4-day IVG enhanced antrum formation, survival rate, and oocyte diameter, especially, the melatonin-treated group enhanced expression of histone acetylation (Ac-H3-K9) higher than the untreated group. In addition, the combination of 10 μM melatonin with dbcAMP during IVG and during 7h of pre-IVM had significantly improved meiotic competence and cumulus expansion after IVM compared to Mela + HX groups. Finally, the combination of Mela + dbcAMP improved parthenogenetic blastocyst formation rather than the untreated group, and expression of histone methylation (Me-H3-K4) and Ac-H3-K9 in blastocyst comparable group derived from oocytes of large antral follicles (LAFs). Furthermore, melatonin with concentrations of 10 μM and 100 μM during IVG enhanced expression of pluripotency gene-related (<em>OCT4, NANOG, SOX2</em>) and balance cell viability via apoptosis-related gene (<em>BCL2/BAX</em>). In conclusion, melatonin combined with dbcAMP during IVG and pre-IVM of oocytes derived from EAFs demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing oocyte growth, maturation, and development of porcine pre-implantation embryos.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 129-142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143509725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyzing estrous cycle dynamics with different protocols of 4.7 mg deslorelin implant aplication in bitches","authors":"Tetiana Holumbiiovska ,&nbsp;Małgorzata Ochota ,&nbsp;Sylwia Prochowska ,&nbsp;Zuzanna Ligocka-Kowalczyk ,&nbsp;Maria Eberhardt ,&nbsp;Vasyl Stefanyk ,&nbsp;Wojciech Niżański","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of deslorelin acetate implants for estrus induction is increasingly popular, but optimal timing for administration and removal remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of estrus induction during early (90–120 days after heat cessation, G1: n = 7) and late anestrus (≥160 days after heat cessation, G2: n = 7; G3: n = 7) and at different implant removal times (Progesterone (P4) ≥ 3 ng/ml (G1 = 3.5 ± 0.3 ng/ml; G2 = 3.4 ± 0.4 ng/ml) vs day of Progesterone ≥5 ng/ml (G3 = 5.0 ± 1.0 ng/ml)). Studied bitches were divided in two groups and implanted with desloreline in early (G1: n = 7) and late anestrus (G2: n = 7) and removed at LH peak (G1, G2) or after it (G3: n = 7). A control group was created, which included bitches with a spontaneous estrous cycle (С: n = 8). Assessments included vaginal cytology, hormone measurements by enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) method and ultrasound examination (US). In the group implanted during early anestrus (G1), heat signs appeared between days 5 and 7 after implant insertion, but no pregnancies were observed. Whereas implantation during late anestrus resulted in earlier onset of heat signs. In G2 and G3, cytological proestrus began two days earlier (on day 3 after implant insertion), and the estrus phase progressed more consistently compared to G1. Moreover, in G2, the cycle closely resembled a spontaneous sexual cycle and did not affect the subsequent fertility of the implanted females. Only in this group (G2) pregnancies were noted. The prolonged implant retention led to hormonal imbalance and no conception (G3). We conclude that estrus induction was less effective in early anestrus compared to late anestrus. For a successful and fertile estrous cycle, the implant should be administered during late anestrus (more than 160 days after the end of heat) and removed around the LH peak (P4 ≥ 3 ng/ml, measured with the mini VIDAS™ device).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 143-152"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143509726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neddylation inhibition affects cell proliferation and steroidogenesis in sheep follicular granulosa cells","authors":"Lihua Lyu ,&nbsp;Xiaowei Qin ,&nbsp;Haoyu Xiu ,&nbsp;Yuhan Qu ,&nbsp;Yipin Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaofeng Yang ,&nbsp;Wenqing Dang ,&nbsp;Ermias Kebreab","doi":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.02.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neddylation is a biological process that covalently links neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) to its substrate. Its main function is to activate the cullin ubiquitin junction complex, thereby promoting substrate protein degradation. The research of neddylation mainly focus on cell senescence, Alzheimer's disease progression, and tumor treatment. However, the neddylation mechanism underlying follicular granulosa cells (GCs) proliferation and steroidogenesis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the functions of neddylation in sheep follicular GCs. Here, immunohistochemistry results revealed that NEDD8 was expressed in sheep follicular GCs. The neddylation-specific inhibitor MLN4924 and NEDD8 small interfering (si) RNA (si-NEDD8) were used to inhibit neddylation, significantly attenuating sheep follicular GC proliferation. The RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) showed that <em>cytochrome P450 11A1</em> (<em>CYP11A1</em>) and <em>steroidogenic acute regulator</em> (<em>StAR</em>) were significantly downregulated via the inhibition of neddylation. Additionally, qRT-PCR results showed that <em>CYP11A1</em>, <em>StAR</em> and <em>3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase</em> (<em>3β-HSD</em>) mRNA abundance decreased significantly following the addition of various MLN4924 doses and si-NEDD8, however, <em>CYP19A1</em> mRNA levels did not significantly differ. Western blotting results showed that inhibition of neddylation also significantly decreased the expression of CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), StAR, and androgen receptor (AR). The current study revealed that the inhibition of neddylation affects sheep follicular GC function by inhibiting proliferation and the enzymes involved in synthesis in sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23131,"journal":{"name":"Theriogenology","volume":"237 ","pages":"Pages 99-109"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143453709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}